Comprehension

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

The role of rainfall in agricultural productivity cannot be (A) ________. In regions where farming is heavily dependent on natural water sources, the absence of sufficient rainfall often leads to severe consequences. Farmers (B) ________ their crops to a certain level of rainfall, and when this is not met, it can result in reduced crop yields and poor harvests. Over time, the lack of rain can cause a (C) ________ in the soil's fertility, making it difficult to cultivate crops effectively.

Without regular precipitation, water levels in rivers and ponds drop, impacting (D) ________ sources of irrigation. As a result, farmers are forced to depend on more expensive alternatives, such as tube wells or tankers. This leads to a significant increase in production costs, leaving many farmers with little (E) ________ at the end of the season. In such circumstances, the government must (F) ________ initiatives to support farmers, including subsidies on irrigation or drought-resistant crops.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (B)?

This question was previously asked in
IBPS Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 24 August 2024 Shift 2)
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  1. avoid
  2. adapt
  3. neglect
  4. overwater
  5. adjust

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : adapt
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 'adapt'.
 
Key Points
  • The passage discusses how farmers change their practices based on the amount of rainfall.
  • The word used should indicate a change or adaptation to the expected amount of rainfall.
  • "Adapt" means to modify or adjust to new conditions, which fits well in this context.
  • Other options ("avoid", "neglect", "overwater", "adjust") do not appropriately convey the idea of changing practices based on rainfall.
Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.
 
Complete Passage: The role of rainfall in agricultural productivity cannot be underestimated. In regions where farming is heavily dependent on natural water sources, the absence of sufficient rainfall often leads to severe consequences. Farmers adapt their crops to a certain level of rainfall, and when this is not met, it can result in reduced crop yields and poor harvests. Over time, the lack of rain can cause a (C) ________ in the soil's fertility, making it difficult to cultivate crops effectively.

Without regular precipitation, water levels in rivers and ponds drop, impacting (D) ________ sources of irrigation. As a result, farmers are forced to depend on more expensive alternatives, such as tube wells or tankers. This leads to a significant increase in production costs, leaving many farmers with little (E) ________ at the end of the season. In such circumstances, the government must (F) ________ initiatives to support farmers, including subsidies on irrigation or drought-resistant crops.

Additional Information
  • Avoid (बचना): "Avoid" means to keep away from, which doesn't fit the context of adapting farming practices.
  • Neglect (उपेक्षा करना): "Neglect" means to fail to care for, which does not fit the context of adapting effectively.
  • Overwater (अधिक जल देना): "Overwater" means to give too much water, which is not relevant in this context.
  • Adjust (समायोजित करना): "Adjust" means to alter slightly, while close in meaning, "adapt" better fits the context of making broad changes to meet new conditions.
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